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2020, what a nutcracker this year was!  We feel like we need to debrief and pat ourselves on the back for the ridiculous things we’ve done this year. So, we’ve got a bit of a special episode lined up where we publicly congratulate ourselves on all our hard work. We’ve earned it! In this episode, Rebeka and Kribashini flashback to some of the things they’ve achieved this year and when they start listing them all out, it really is a lot. 2020 was no normal year, and yet they still managed to write a book, pump out so many resources, pivot *shudders* to online courses, build a house and have a baby (well, that one was all Rebeka). As they recap the year, Rebeka and Kribashini share some of the things they’re really proud of and how they’ve loved seeing the support and encouragement within the BuildHer community. They talk about pivoting *powerful shudder* during Covid and how taking the Masterclass online this year was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. They also talk about the super fun, yet challenging, process of writing a book and how excited (and nervous) they are for it to launch. What do you want your 2021 to look like?  It all starts with the decisions you make today and Rebeka and Kribashini talk about just giving things a go because that’s how they got to where they are today. They also talk about the huge pressure we place on ourselves to achieve at such a great pace but it’s important to celebrate the wins. Building is hard work and Rebeka and Kribashini share some of the great BuildHer moments from the women in the BuildHer community. So, if you want to start renovating or developing for profit, maybe 2021 is your year to shine. Whatever it is you want to do, take a moment to congratulate yourself for the things you’ve achieved this year. Celebrate those wins and then dive in and give something a go!   Merry Christmas everyone.  See you in the new year!   LINKS: BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer   RESOURCES: 133 Things to Think About Before You Build or Renovate Bathroom Minimag Bayview Magazine

What better way to spend lockdown than to build a beautifully landscaped garden? That’s what Rebeka has been up to and she’s gotten slightly garden-obsessed all because of our special guest today, Mon Palmer. Mon is an expert landscape designer whose beautiful aesthetic seeps into everything she touches, especially gardens, and she joins us today to share why she’s so obsessed with outdoor spaces. In addition to designing beautiful landscapes, interiors, outdoor spaces and more, Mon offers a masterclass that teaches others how to sketch up and design from concept through to detail design presentation. In this episode, Mon shares how she got into the industry, where her original inspiration for landscape came from and her journey to starting her own successful business. Rebeka and Mon discuss the importance and benefits of thinking about landscaping at planning stages and not just leaving it to last.  Gardens can be so much more than just a border of trees blocking your neighbours.  When thought and consideration are put into the outside with a holistic approach, it completely enhances the feel of a home and adds significant value to the property. In this episode, Mon talks about how her inspiration for design comes from all kinds of places and how she honed in on developing her own style and aesthetic.  She shares a few tips on how to start approaching garden design for yourself and the importance of getting to the core of your vision.  The best designs are authentic for the person, so being clear on what your heart loves is what it’s all about.   You’re going to love this episode and we’re pretty sure you’ll be slightly garden obsessed by the end of it.   LINKS: Mon’s instagram: @mon_palmer Mon’s websites: https://www.monpalmer.co/ & https://slightlygardenobsessed.com/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

It’s all too common a scenario where a builder quotes for a project, only to add more and more variations along the way because it wasn’t exactly what the customer wanted.  This blows out not only the budget but adds time and unnecessary pressure to the build and it could have all been avoided if things were more clear in the first place. In this episode, we have a special treat as Rebeka is joined by fellow female builder, Elizabeth Abdallah from Sencon Homes. They discuss the ins and outs of quoting for new builds and renovations and things to look out for when deciding whether to renovate or knock the whole thing down and start from scratch. With close to 15 years of building experience, Elizabeth started her developer journey when she was pregnant with her first child (she has 4 kids just like Rebeka!) Looking for a challenge apart from her growing baby, she decided to build two townhouses next to each other and potentially sell one-off and do it all over again.  Well, she certainly picked her market because when boom time came, she more than doubled her value thus began the start of her exciting building and developing journey. Elizabeth has loads of experience in renovating and building from scratch as she now spends the majority of her time building for others, also leaving room for personal projects on the side. In this episode, Elizabeth and Rebeka discuss the process a builder needs to go through when quoting for a job and the importance of being really clear about what you want and communicating that with the builder so they can quote effectively.  They discuss some examples of when renovating might not be worth it from a financial perspective but how it’s also important to consider the emotional side of things, especially when dealing with homes with character.   A big takeaway from today’s episode is do your research.  Providing a comprehensive itemized quote to a customer is a huge amount of work for a builder, so knowing what you want and communicating those desires is a really great place to start.   LINKS: Sencon Homes http://senconhomes.com.au/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Imagine being on holidays every single day.  Ok, that idea is pretty unrealistic for most of us, so perhaps the next best thing is creating a home that gives you the feeling of holidays when you walk through the door at the end of the day.  That is exactly what our guest does for a living and it’s no surprise why she loves it! In this episode, Rebeka chats with Katrina Lumsden from Haven Interiors.  Katrina is a coastal home stylist, helping her clients create their own beautiful coastal havens to live and holiday in.  Offering interior styling services and an online course, Katrina shares her styling knowledge and passion with her clients to help bring those calming holiday vibes into day to day reality. Having been a stylist for numerous years and growing tired of the challenges and physical demands of the job, Katrina ripped the bandaid off and pivoted (urgh, there’s that word!) her successful styling business into a coastal niche where she could do what she really loved all the time.  At the same time, she created a wonderful work/life balance to spend more time with her three kids.  It was a win-win pivot (there it is again! I promise that’s the last one)! Katrina shares her 5 step formula which helps her clients identify their own style, create a clear picture of what they want and stick to the budget they’ve set for themselves.  Katrina and Rebeka discuss the decluttering dilemma and how sometimes the items you love might not suit a space but that thinking outside the box can help find a solution.  They also talk through the breakage factor with kids and pets and how finding a happy medium is what it’s all about.   So, if you love those coastal vibes and you’re keen to have that holiday feeling all year round, this episode is for you.   LINKS: Website: https://haveninteriors.net.au/ Instagram: @haveninteriors Online Course: https://haveninteriors.net.au/services/#online FREE workshop: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/23/w8wonb5 BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Our guest today is Evan from DIY Blinds, one of our beloved supplier partners, and he chats with Rebeka about all things window furnishings. Evan talks about why DIY Blinds has blown up and how they’ve disrupted the industry by taking a traditionally analogue service and making it fully digital.  Customers are express-posted free samples that they order online, obtain live pricing and have access to design consultants who are there to help them every step of the way.  By taking showrooms and commissions out of the equation, they’re able to offer Australian made designer quality products at competitive prices plus provide an authentic service offering. Evan and Rebeka chat about the pros of thinking through your window furnishings early on in the piece.  The benefit of doing so enables you to really think about what you’re hoping to achieve and work it into your design instead of having to make costly variations down the track.  Evan discusses the different services that DIY Blinds offer and how they can custom make anything according to your needs - and the earlier you think about it the better! Home automation is another hot topic in the episode as Evan and Rebeka discuss the numerous options that are available with modern technologies.  Curtains and blinds can not only open and close at the touch of a button, they can now be hooked up to the weather forecast to adapt before you even know it needs to happen.  How good is technology!   The great thing about a DIY service is that you can tailor it to both your desired aesthetic and budget requirements.  ‘Designer’ doesn’t have to mean expensive and Rebeka and Evan share some tips on obtaining a high end look without the price tag.   LINKS: DIY Blinds Website: https://www.diyblinds.com.au/ Bayview Magazine: https://buildhercollective.com.au/bayviewmag/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We have an extraordinary DevelopHer joining us today to share her journey into project management and renovating for profit.  Anita is one of our incredible DevelopHers and today Kribashini speaks with her about her most recent renovation project, a Californian bungalow in Bentleigh, Victoria. One of the most important parts of developing is the ability to carry on with a project because let’s face it, there are always roadblocks.  Anita shares how her resilience helped her push through the challenge of finding the right builder and how she navigated the spanner that Covid threw in the works. Every build has its challenges but before 2020, at least you were allowed on site to check how things were going!  Unable to be there in person, Anita relied on facetime and constant phone calls to check on progress and make decisions.  She describes the frustration of not being able to see things in person, making communication with her builders and suppliers all the more crucial. Anita talks through some of the specifics of the renovation, including gorgeous high raked ceilings, curved features and a playful pink powder room which Kribashini can’t wait to see.  Tying in old with new, Anita has added a beautiful extension onto the bungalow, giving it a modern twist whilst maintaining its period charm.  Anita talks about the importance of seeing past what you’re presented upfront and having a vision for the renovation.   Finding the right home can take time - Anita visited over 20 places before she found this beauty.  In fact, she purchased it at auction via Facetime with her husband while she attended a BuildHer Masterclass!  It just goes to show, if you want something, you can make it happen and find a way around any roadblock along the way.   LINKS: BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

When you’re first embarking on your renovation journey, it can be tricky to decide whether you need (or can afford) an architect to bring your reno to life, or whether a draftsperson will do the job. Our guest today, Natasha Levan from Levan Design has managed to bring these two roles together to create a design firm that suits a wide range of clients. Natasha’s services are unique, incorporating a blend of draftsperson and architectural design elements. She works closely with her clients to ensure that their goals can be achieved, or given a clearer direction where needed. Natasha has had extensive experience within the building and design industry for the last 18 years. She began her career with a medium size architectural firm in South Melbourne in 1994. Since then she has gained a wealth of experience on many types of building projects ranging from commercial and institutional work through to residential, multi storey apartment projects and interior design. After working at Englehart Homes for five years she discovered her passion for residential design and since 2003, Natasha has been operating Levan Design as a small and personalised residential building design service.   Natasha has a real passion for art and architecture and has achieved some truly incredible results for her clients. Go and check out her website for a look at the stunning projects she has helped bring to life.   LINKS: Levan Design: https://levandesign.com.au/ Levan Design Insta: @levan_design BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

We love chatting to our DevelopHer’s about their journeys and asking them to share their stories on this podcast.  It’s inspiring to see what other people are doing and find out what they’ve learned along the way.  Each journey is so different and that’s what makes it so fun! Today Kribashini catches up with Sonia De Gregorio, one of our Master BuildHer’s and the Creative Director at Gama Homes where her husband, Ricardo, is the Founding Director.  Working together as a dynamic duo, Sonia and Ricardo are kicking goals in their business and loving the flexibility of being their own boss.  How great is it when you love what you do!? In this episode, Sonia talks about her transition out of her previously demanding full-time job in the financial services industry and what prompted her to take the plunge.  She shares her tips on how to make a transition and why it’s important to weigh up the financial and emotional reasons. Having a whole other career prior to working in the development industry, Sonia was able to transfer across a range of skills that have complimented Gama Homes and enabled the business to thrive where it was previously lacking.  Bringing a wealth of experience and understanding in processes, organisation and client relationships, Sonia’s role at Gama Homes has made things flow both at work and at home.  Sonia talks about how fun it is to work alongside Ricardo and how her passion for what she does makes it not even feel like work.   There’s so much to learn when it comes to building and there’s nothing like onsite experience to help it all make sense.  Sonia shares about how seeing a project through from beginning to end helps to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and everything comes full circle when you see things in action on site.  Enjoy a cuppa and a bickie with this episode.  It’s a feel-good one!   LINKS: Gama Homes: http://gamahomes.com.au/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Our guest today discovered her passion for sustainability during the process of designing and building a passive house in Melbourne.  Not only is Suzanne one of our talented and industrious BuildHer’s, she is the Engineering Strategy Manager at Ford Motor Company, wife, and mother of two young boys.  To say she’s amazing is an understatement. With the help of a retired architect friend (everyone needs one of those) and Melbourne-based company, Carbonlite, Suzanne and her husband undertook the construction of a thoughtfully designed passive house with sustainability at the heart of everything.  In this episode we take a dive into some of the details of the build, how the house has been performing over the hot and cold months and why Suzanne and her husband are now huge advocates for sustainable homes. Suzanne and Kribashini also discuss the juggle of mum life and work life and how they’ve seen a mindset shift occurring in society, enabling families to do things the way that suits them.  Suzanne also opens up about her struggle with anxiety and how acknowledging the hard times and having a great support network is so important.   You don’t have to be protesting for climate change or a loud voice in the environmental impact conversation to take part in helping the planet.  Suzanne shares how her sustainability journey is still unfolding and how each project brings more joy and passion for the next.  Tune in for some inspiration.  Our guess is you’ll want to build a vertical aquaponics farm after this episode.   LINKS: Carbonlite Website: https://carbonlite.com.au/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Hiring a builder versus owner-builder. It is a question we have delved into quite a few times on this podcast as it is difficult for many to see the value in spending money on something they could potentially do themselves. Well, this episode is a little different. Rebeka chats with Rob Gray, half of Brisbane-based building and development company Graya. Their point of difference is that not only will they generate plans based on customer briefs and manage a build, but they can assist in the entire development process from selection and acquisition of the block to choosing the structure, assembling the dream team, and finally to building your vision. Rob discusses the importance of prioritising branding and marketing early on as a means of building and developing (pun intended) business relationships in the industry. This means Graya has an immense network of reputable architects, contractors, designers and builders at their disposal; a network they have accumulated over many years in the industry. They have come a long way from their affordable beginnings to their niche in the luxury development market, and Rob talks through the evolution of his joint-managed business with his brother before listing the crucial questions you should ask your next builder/designer/architect before recruiting them. Graya places customer satisfaction at the top of their priority list and in addition to providing an amazing, tested and true service, they facilitate you seeking competitor quotes and pricing checks so you know that your precious budget is being utilised in the most efficient manner. And Rob is proud to state he can’t remember ever losing a contract on these grounds.   So whilst Graya is certainly not in the affordable, entry-level, housing development market, maybe there are a few DevelopHers out there that are looking to take the leap into the lucrative high-end development arena in which case Graya is the ideal first point of contact for you.   LINKS: Graya Website: https://graya.com.au/ Graya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graya/ BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

Renovating is super exciting but it can also be really stressful and exhausting.  If your budget or circumstances don’t allow for the luxury of living elsewhere while you’re renovating, it’s an experience you want to be prepared for.  Lucky for you, Rebeka and Kribashini have quite a lot of experience and are raring to share their top tips to make things easier during a renovation. In this episode, Rebeka and Kribashini take a dive into the practicalities of living through a renovation and share what they have learned through their numerous personal renovation experiences.  If you’re thinking about renovating or currently living through a renovation, this episode is for you. Rebeka and Kribashini compare living through a renovation to camping.  It’s fun (for some) and really dirty.  There’s basically no way around the dirt factor but there are some practical ways you can minimise the impact and mentally prepare for the experience.  They share some super helpful tips on decluttering, setting up a temporary kitchen and making sure everyone knows where the rubbish bin is! A sense of humour goes a long way in a potentially stressful situation.  There will be dust everywhere, there will be noise and tradies in and out of the place, so Rebeka and Kribashini remind us to laugh and bring the fun to renovation.  And if you really can’t hack it, there’s no harm in having a weekend away to bring back some perspective.  Remember WHY you’re doing this in the first place!   We all need a little help from our friends sometimes and renovation is definitely the time to start reaching out to your family and friends.  A meal here or there and some babysitting goes a long way.  Everyone has a different experience throughout renovation so make sure you let us know your top tips.  We’re all about helping each other and keeping the joy of renovation alive.   LINKS: Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ Instagram: @buildhercollective Facebook Group: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer Blog post: 133 Things to Think About Before You Build or Renovate

Now more than ever, with so many of us spending more time in our homes during COVID-induced lockdown, people are craving the outdoors.  It’s well documented that connection to nature is so beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical health so if it’s not possible to go out into nature, how about you try bringing nature to you? In recent years, indoor plants have had a huge surge in popularity.  Not only do they improve air quality, increase creativity and decrease stress, they also just look so amazing.  Plants have this incredible gift of making any room look and feel better but sometimes it’s difficult to know what to put where.  If you’re anything like the green-thumb-less Rebeka, there’s still hope for you! In this episode, Rebeka speaks to powerhouse plant-loving besties, Jacqui and Alana from Ivy Muse in Melbourne.  Ivy Muse started as an online store after Jacqui and Alana, each with their own unique set of design and styling skills, started noticing the indoor plant craze.  From there, Ivy Muse went through an incredible evolution and expanded into everything from personal plant styling, commercial design and launching their own collections. Jacqui and Alana share their business journey and how the transition to plant styling grew organically from a simple request from an in-store customer.  In recent months, their online store has flourished and they also provide e-plant styling for interstate clients which has become very popular during lockdown. Rebeka picks Jacqui and Alana’s brains for their top tips on how to incorporate amazing plants into her space and they even provide numerous arguments to convince her husband that she definitely needs more plants.  The rule of thumb is that if the plant is calling to you, you should take it home. Even if there is a chorus of plants calling your way at the nursery, the 20 new plants are definitely justified.   We also take a dive into biophilic design, what it is and how it is used to improve our direct and indirect connection to nature.  Whether it be from the design planning stages, throughout construction or after your house has been fully furnished, there is always an opportunity to incorporate plants into your home to establish a closer connection to the outside world.  One can never have too many plants!   LINKS: Ivy Muse Website BuildHer Website BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective Register for a call

There are so many great reasons to be involved in the BuildHer Collective.  Building can be a stressful and somewhat lonely journey but with a group of passionate and collaborative women supporting you all the way through, the building journey becomes so much more fun.   In this episode, Rebeka visits one of our very stylish and thoughtful BuildHer’s, Rachel Harris, to talk about the recent renovation of her beautiful family home in Preston.  Purchasing the Calafornian bungalow a number of years ago while living interstate, Rachel and her husband knew there was a lot of work to be done but instead of rushing ahead, they took their time to carefully research and be thoughtful throughout the design phase.   Rebeka talks to Rachel in detail about the extension to the back of her house, specifically how she implemented passive solar principals such as cross ventilation, heat pumps, a solar chimney and so much more.  By incorporating these design features into the build, Rachel’s home is not only comfortable all year round, but also oozes a thoughtfulness which resonates in each space.   Building and renovation takes time and it can be tempting to cut corners or just take the easy road to get the job done.  What Rachel did so well and we are so proud to see, is that she was thoughtful in the design process to determine the values of her family.  By doing this and taking a bit more time in the design phase, she created a beautiful energy efficient home with well designed spaces that capture sunlight and make you want to linger a little longer.   Rachel’s thoughtfulness is tangible in every aspect of the design.  Tune in to hear more about how Rachel incorporated passive solar principals into her build and how you could do it too!   LINKS: Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ Instagram: @buildhercollective Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

A topic that comes up a lot for us is the building lifestyle.  How do I transition out of my day job and start supplementing my income with building and renovating for profit?  It’s a question that a lot of people are asking and it’s one we’re passionate about answering.  This is what we do and it’s what we love! The beauty of running your own projects is that it’s flexible with the lifestyle you want to create.  In this episode, we talk about how a lot of women get to a stage where they’ve worked really hard, they’ve built a career and when they start having children, they don’t want to be bound by long hours glued to a desk.  We’ve been there and we don’t want to do that anymore either! We also talk about what we’ve created with the DevelopHer’s group and how exciting it is.  Not only do we get to have fun being involved in hundreds of new projects, but we are also connected to this amazing community of women who all want the same thing.  We go into a bit more detail about how the BuildHer Masterclass works and why sharing the journey and learning as a group is so helpful in avoiding common pitfalls. The building lifestyle can work for so many people.  The transition takes time and it’s a journey that requires patience but will also bring excitement, fulfilment and purpose to your life.  So if you’re in limbo and think you might want to take the plunge but aren’t quite sure how to approach things, give us a call.  We have loads of experience and are keen to help.   LINKS: Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/ Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

There are many roadblocks along the building and development journey and finance is one of the first things that can bring a project to a grinding halt. So what do you do when the bank has said no but you’re not ready to give up on your project? Our guest today is Mark Greenberg, director of Lambert Capital, a Melbourne-based company specialising in non-traditional lending and advisory services to investors and developers.  As a Chartered Accountant working in corporate and business banking, Mark became frustrated with the limitations of the banking system and made the bold move to start his own company which could serve developers without the rigidity of the more traditional financial frameworks. In this episode, Kribashini talks with Mark about what non-traditional lending is, how it works and how it differs from big bank lending.  Mark discusses the limitations of the traditional system and how projects are often knocked back based on a checklist.  Whilst still ensuring a return on investment, Mark and his team assess each deal on its own merit, looking at things from a development level and are able to approve projects that have been previously denied funding from the bank. We were very fortunate to find Lambert Capital during our hunt for a lender for the BuildHer8 Rathmines project.  It took us a long time to sift through our options for our unique project and Kribashini reiterates how it’s so important to find the right lender for your specific project.  You might not be able to tick all the boxes, but taking the time to find a deal that suits your development is something you won’t regret. Putting his money where his mouth is, Mark is lending his own family’s money to developers which gives a real sense of confidence that they not only believe in their projects but will do everything it takes to see it to fruition.  From the signing of contracts to ensuring the builders’ bank accounts are in check, Lambert Capital truly partners with their clients. We will be chatting with Mark in more depth during our DevelopHers inner circle coming up, and look forward to learning more about lending options that are outside the traditional scope.  If you’re sitting on a project waiting for finance to pull through, perhaps it’s time to consider non-traditional lending.   LINKS: https://lambertcapitalfinance.com/

It’s what’s inside that counts; as true for interiors as it is for people. In this episode, we tick both boxes with the lovely and skilled Melbourne interior designer and mentor, Melissa Lunardon. Hers is one of the longer resumes and one better experienced by exploring the trail of purposefully and creatively styled homes left in the wake of hurricane Melissa. In the age of option anxiety, choice excess, analysis paralysis, whatever you want to call it, interior designers and stylists are here to shepherd you through the myriad of colours, accessories, furnishings, styles, and feelings to an aesthetic solution that suits you, your personality and your home. Kribashini and Melissa talk about her beginnings as a designer, her entrepreneurial transition, and how she became a mentor in the field. They then move into the design space touching on capturing personality in design, and tactics to approach a job, before finishing up with Melissa’s mentoring program and the perks of business ownership. Oh right, COVID gets a mention too of course - is that mandatory in podcasts these days? Get your foot in the beautifully designed interior styling door today!   LINKS: Melissa’s Website Melissa’s Instagram Melissa’s Williamstown house project

Anyone who has undertaken a building, renovation or styling project will understand the dilemma you can experience when you just don’t know what to do anymore.  Option anxiety is a real thing and sometimes it can be so difficult, and often stressful, to make decisions that will impact the space you’ll be living in for years to come. Alison Lewis is our guest today and she not only has a keen eye for detail and amazing sense of style, but also understands the roadblocks that designers and DIYers alike can face while undergoing building and renovation projects.  Alison is an interior designer and we are thrilled to have her as part of our BuildHer8 group.  In addition to offering full design packages, she also provides design consultations and coaching calls to help her clients through the decision making process.  Alison is also the owner of a coffee table to die for, but we won’t talk about how jealous we are of that! In this episode, you’ll hear about Alison’s approach to forming her mood boards and how they can be a helpful resource to refer back to when things start going haywire.  She shares her journey with renovating her own home and how she navigated the budget and site constraints and council regulations to eventually establish a clear plan for a beautiful finished project. Styling a home is harder than it looks but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Alison shares some hot tips for designing and styling and how she has adopted the slogan, “a little bit posh and a little bit pov” to help her pair items together without breaking the bank.  Alison also talks about how it’s important to choose items that tell a story and mean something to you.  It’s your home after all so you may as well love it! So if you’re in the middle of a project and feeling a bit stuck, just know you’re not alone.  It’s a normal part of the process and we are here to help!  Book a free 20 minute consultation with BuildHer Collective or contact Alison for a not-to-disappoint design consultation. LINKS: Alison's Website: https://www.alisonlewisinteriors.com.au/ Alison's Instagram: @alisonlewisinteriors Alison's Pinterest: @alisonlewisinteriors Book your free BuildHer Collective 20-minute consult here

One of the most common questions we get asked is “can I get a referral or a recommendation?” and in all honesty, it gives us a nervous tick!  Referrals and recommendations are such a large part of the building industry but it’s not always as simple as passing on a phone number.  There are a number of factors to consider when thinking about referring someone and in this episode we’re going to share some key things to think about before handing over the digits. We are all for referrals and recommendations.  A lot of great tradespeople don’t have an online presence and depend on word of mouth to keep their businesses running, which is why we don’t take the responsibility lightly.  It’s like matchmaking!  You need to make sure that the person you’re setting your friend up with is the right fit.  If not, it could get awkward for all parties involved! Don’t get us wrong, it’s not all negative. As well as some important considerations, we talk about the many positives of referring businesses and the transfer of trust that occurs when a recommendation is made.  A referral is a huge compliment to the provider and helps strengthen relationships, making future projects with that business all the more fun and rewarding. Building is fun and networking with people in the building industry is fun too!  So if you’ve had a great experience with someone, take the time to give them a positive review.  It will make their day and help other people make a decision about who to work with on their next project.

There are many ways to build a house. There is no cookie cutter approach but by far, the best outcomes are produced when there is transparent communication and a strong relationship between the builder, architect and owner. The buildings that really sing have had a cohesive team all the way through.  A team of trusted advisers and professionals, all working together to produce something beautiful. In this episode, Kribashini chats with Sarah and Richard Bryant from Bryant Alsop, a Melbourne based architecture firm who take a highly personalised approach to delivering carefully considered designs to their clients. They share about their approach to the design process and how placing the client’s needs at the core of every project is absolutely vital. One of our very own BuildHer’s, Suzie, was fortunate to have Bryant Alsop design her forever home. When we popped in to see the site the other day, we were blown away by the level of detailing and the amazing spaces they’ve created.  Sarah and Richard go into more detail about the design concept for Suzie’s home and the key areas of the brief that shaped the way they approached the design. Thinking about a building as a living, breathing 3 dimensional shape, Sarah and Richard talk about how they don’t get fixated on floor plans, but rather think in terms of volume which influences their decisions regarding levels, ceiling heights and room sizes. Sarah and Richard take a really personal approach to design and talk about the importance of listening to their clients and prioritising the personalised social aspects of a brief, as well as the functional.  It gives an insight into the level of thought and consideration that goes into each detail of their designs, resulting in spaces that flow in harmony with the people who call them home. We can’t agree more with the way Sarah and Richard tackle the design process.  The lifestyle, values and desires of the client are always in the forefront of their minds, shaping each decision, no matter how minute the detail.  They work to understand their clients and listen really well to come up with a design that they will love for years to come. At the end of the day, building is a fluid process. Things will go wrong but having the right team around you means that those problems don’t have to result in disaster.

Nothing is more certain than uncertainty (did I just make that up? If so, patent-pending). Never has this quote been more applicable than when it is applied to the building and renovating process. Who knows whether you’ll hit rock, or an undocumented pipe, or an old slab when digging? Who knows if a design on paper translates to a buildable structure in real life? Who knows? The answer is no one. There is no crystal ball that will illuminate these unforeseen mishaps. ‘Variations’ has long been thought of as a dirty word on the building site, often associated with increased costs and drawn-out build times. They also put a strain on the relationship between the client and the builder as arguments ensue as to whether or not it was an unforeseen event versus a foreseeable complication. Why should the builder foot the bill for a variation due to the client’s change of mind for their own benefit? Why should the client have to foot the bill for an oversight by the builder resulting in calamity? Rebeka and Kribashini talk you through variations, how to think about them, and how to handle them. Account for variations in your build. Don’t just expect the unexpected, plan and budget for it. And remember, this is not just limited to money. Agree on a process with your builder to deal with variations when (not if) they arise with respect to communication and billing. Builder’s are not out to get you, and quotes are based on the information provided and available at the time of quoting. It is much easier to look back and think “you should’ve thought about that” than it is to look at the plans and think “that looks doable”. Hindsight is 20-20 and foresight is as blurry as Bigfoot in a photo. Whoever said, “a change is as good as a holiday,” clearly wasn’t talking about a design change on a building site. So prepare yourself and your budget for a lesson in uncertainty from the BuildHer babes.